PM Abbasi announces Rs25bn package for Karachi

KARACHI: Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Haqan Abbasi on Saturday announced Rs25billion package for Karachi. Prime Minister also announced Rs5million budget for Hyderabad, the second largest city of the province, which, he said, get the support of federal government.

“The work on both packages will soon kick off under the direct supervision of Governor Sindh, Muhammad Zubair,” Prime Minister said. Talking to media in Karachi, where the prime minister made his maiden visit on Saturday, Abbasi said that federal government will continue to support the Karachi operation.

Earlier, presiding over a high level law and order meeting Abbasi said that the efforts of four will not be let to go in futile. The Karachi operation will continue with same spirit, he said. The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Corps Commander, DG Rangers, IG Sindh and other high officials.

Before meeting with PMLN’s delegation at Sindh Governor House, Prime Minister went to the house of Syed Ghaus Ali Shah and inquired his health. “ Ghaus Ali Shah is a stanch Muslim leagui,” PM Abbasi said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah and Governor Mohammad Zubair welcomed the premier on his arrival in Karachi. Abbasi is accompanied on the visit by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The new prime minister commenced his trip by visiting the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, where he laid a floral wreath.

He then held a one-on-one meeting with Governor Mohammad Zubair at the Governor House. During the meeting, issues concerning law and order and development came under discussion. Prime Minister Abbasi assured the governor that the federal government would continue to cooperate with the Sindh government in development projects.

Meantime, A delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan led by Dr. Farooq Sattar Saturday called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the Governor House.

During the meeting, prevailing situation in Karachi was discussed, PM office media wing said in a press release. It was agreed that all the political forces should combine their efforts to further improve security and business atmosphere in the biggest metropolis of the country.

He said the federal government was concerned over the recent surge in street crimes in Karachi, which could compromise the gains made through sustained efforts during last four years. He stressed need for activating all intelligence resources to arrest that alarming trend. The meeting was briefed on overall security situation in the province in general and Karachi in particular. The meeting reaffirmed that peace and tranquility in Karachi would be maintained at all costs.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday visited Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre here he spoke high for the services of late Dr Ruth Pfau for dedicating her life to fight leprosy in Pakistan. Dr Ruth Pfau, who founded Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, breathed her last on Friday and the prime minister had announced a state funeral for her in recognition of her services to the humanity.

“Dr Ruth Pfau will always be remembered for her remarkable services to humanity for over six decades,” he remarked. He said the country could never repay her for her commitment and devotion to some of the most disadvantaged in the society purely selflessly.